The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that eligible state pensioner couples will receive an extra £72.15 in cash this June. This boost follows a 4.8% uplift in Pension Credit that took effect on April 6, 2026.
Pension Credit Increase Details
The joint weekly rate for Pension Credit has risen from £346.60 to £363.25, meaning couples can now receive up to £865.80 more per year. Averaged over 12 months, this equates to an additional £72.15 per month. The increase applies to the full tax year, so claimants will continue to benefit until next April.
Pension Credit is a benefit for people of state pension age on a low income, living in England, Scotland, or Wales. It is separate from the state pension and can be claimed even if you have other income, savings, or own your home. The DWP states that the average Pension Credit award is now worth £4,300 per year.
Additional Benefits
Beyond the monthly cash boost, Pension Credit unlocks other financial support, including help with housing costs, council tax reductions, free TV licences, and assistance with NHS treatment costs. The DWP highlighted that the government has provided above-inflation increases worth up to £395 in real terms over this Parliament, with pensioners' annual incomes expected to rise by up to £2,100 by its end.
In a statement, the DWP said: “Pension Credit will also rise by 4.8% and be worth an average of £4,300 a year, unlocking further support including help with housing costs, council tax and free television licenses. Between 2026 and 2027, the government will provide a £6 billion boost to spending on State Pensions and pensioner benefits.”
Application Process
You can apply for Pension Credit any time after reaching state pension age. Your application can be backdated by up to three months, so you may receive credit for that period if eligible. The DWP launched a trial last year to boost take-up, noting regional disparities, with uptake lowest in the south west.
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell urged eligible pensioners to apply, stating: “We’re committed to supporting harder-up pensioners however we can. Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence. I’d urge anyone who thinks they, or anyone they know, might be able to claim Pension Credit, to take a few minutes out of their day to check and apply.”
